SUV Deals: May 2012

Buyers interested in picking up a new SUV this month will be pleased to learn that several automakers are offering attractive deals on a wide variety of new models. We've searched through advertised offers to provide a list of the top deals available in May, highlighting a variety of SUVs from compact crossovers to full-size SUVs with three-row seating.

Chevrolet Suburban

So many SUV buyers swear by the Chevrolet Suburban that the automaker is often reluctant to advertise incentives on the full-size SUV, despite its aging design. But several special offers are available on the 2012 Suburban throughout May, ranging from $2,000 cash back to zero percent interest for up to 60 months. A better deal is available on unsold inventory of the 2011 Suburban, which is mostly identical to the 2012. For buyers who don't mind the model year difference, Chevrolet is offering zero percent interest for a whopping 72 months on the 2011 Suburban or up to $4,500 cash back - a big jump for just one model year.

Ford Explorer

Although Ford's recently redesigned Explorer has been white-hot since its debut last year, the automaker is finally offering a few deals to help sales continue on a frenzied pace. For buyers interested in paying cash for a 2012 Explorer, Ford is advertising up to $1,000 cash back, while shoppers looking to finance their Explorer can get zero percent interest for up to 36 months. Interestingly, Ford is also offering $1,000 cash back on the recently released 2013 Explorer - which is nearly identical to the 2012 model - although 36-month interest rates start at 1.9 percent due to the newer model year.

Honda CR-V

The recently redesigned Honda CR-V is available with a special lease deal in May. According to the automaker, SUV shoppers interested in the new CR-V can secure a 36-month lease with nothing down for $320 per month. While that may not seem like a tremendous deal, incentives of any kind are uncommon at Honda - especially zero down offers on a brand new model like the 2012 CR-V. Interestingly, the aging 2012 Pilot is available with a higher $340 monthly payment and nothing down, meaning SUV shoppers set on picking up a new Honda can now have extra room for only a little more cash.

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi's handsome Outlander crossover is available with a series of special offers in May. Cash buyers will find that Mitsubishi is offering a $1,000 rebate on all 2012 Outlander models - an incentive that increases to a whopping $2,500 back for any unsold 2011 models left in dealer stock. For SUV shoppers looking to finance their purchase, the automaker is also offering a special deal, with zero percent interest available on all Outlander models for up to 36 months. And if the Outlander is just a little too small, Mitsubishi is offering the recently discontinued Endeavor with even greater discounts this month, ranging from zero percent interest for up to 60 months to a whopping $4,500 cash back on unsold models left at dealers.

Nissan Pathfinder

With a new, car-like Pathfinder on the way, Nissan is clearing out stock of today's version with a series of special offers - good news for SUV buyers interested in a body-on-frame SUVs designed to tow big loads. According to Nissan, leftover 2011 Pathfinder models are available with zero percent interest for up to 60 months or $2,500 cash back, while the latest 2012s can be had with 0.9 percent interest for 36 months or 1.9 percent for up to 60 months. For buyers looking to pay cash, Nissan is also offering the 2012 Pathfinder with up to $2,000 cash back.

What it means to you: Even several of today's most popular SUVs are available with deals and incentives throughout May.

Jeffrey Archer
is fortunate to have turned a passion for cars into a career. His wide-ranging automotive experience includes work for automakers and dealers in addition to covering the news. When not writing, he spends his time searching for unique cars on AutoTrader.com.